Laser-induced Grating Phenomena

Abstract

The interference pattern of two laser beams induces periodical variations of the optical properties of matter (refractive index and absorption coefficient). Induced grating structures have been observed in absorbing liquids and solids, plasmas, laser materials, dye solutions and semiconductors. These gratings have been applied to thermal diffusion measurements, excitation of high frequency normal and second sound waves, determination of electronic lifetimes, distributed feedback lasers and real-time holography. The literature on transient grating materials and applications is surveyed.